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World Health Day 2025: MoH Rallies Support to Save Mothers and Babies
The Ministry of Health has today led national celebrations to mark World Health Day 2025 at Baitambogwe Health Centre III in Mayuge District, under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: Helping Every Woman and Baby Survive.”
The commemoration comes at a time when the country intensifies its efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, emphasized the urgent need to tackle the high maternal and child mortality rates in Uganda, especially in the Busoga region, which still registers above-average figures.
The institutional maternal mortality ratio in Busoga stands at 93 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to the national average of 82.7, while neonatal mortality is 28 per 1,000 live births, well above the national rate of 22.
“This year’s theme speaks to our broader vision of a healthy and productive population. While we’ve made commendable progress in reducing maternal mortality from 336 to 189 per 100,000 live births, and neonatal mortality from 27 to 22 per 1,000, we still have a long way to go to meet the 2030 SDG targets,” said the Director General.
He applauded the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and the World Health Organization for their joint investment of USD 10 million over the last five years to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services in five focus districts of Busoga.
This support included seven ambulances, equipment, school health programs, improved data systems, and infrastructure upgrades in 28 health facilities, including Baitambogwe HC III.
The Director General also highlighted ongoing campaigns such as the Safe Birth Campaign and upcoming Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) and Pre-Eclampsia Toxemia (PET) campaigns, aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening care systems.
He called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to address related challenges like teenage pregnancy, which remains a significant contributor to maternal deaths.
“Together, we can end preventable maternal and newborn deaths,” he concluded, while thanking frontline health workers, Mayuge district leadership, and development partners for their unwavering commitment.
The Ministry is currently implementing a national Sharpened Plan and Investment Case for RMNCAH (2022/23 – 2026/27) and has doubled domestic health funding over the past four years as part of government efforts to ensure universal access to quality healthcare.
World Health Day is celebrated globally on April 7 to draw attention to key health priorities. This year, Uganda used the occasion to reinforce its commitment to safeguarding maternal and child health, particularly in regions facing persistent health inequities.
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